KMT-2019-BLG-1216L b
KMT-2019-BLG-1216L b is a Neptune-like planet orbiting KMT-2019-BLG-1216L in the constellation Scorpius. It lies about 8,937 light-years from Earth and was discovered in 2023 using the microlensing method.
Is KMT-2019-BLG-1216L b in the Habitable Zone?
The position of KMT-2019-BLG-1216L b relative to the habitable zone of KMT-2019-BLG-1216L cannot be precisely determined from the available orbital data.
Orbit and Year Length
KMT-2019-BLG-1216L b orbits at an average distance of 2.440 AU.
How Was KMT-2019-BLG-1216L b Discovered?
KMT-2019-BLG-1216L b was discovered in 2023 using the microlensing method, with observations from KMTNet.
Gravitational microlensing detects a planet when its host star passes in front of a more distant background star, and the planet's gravity adds a brief, telltale spike to the magnified starlight. It can find planets thousands of light-years away.
How Far Away Is KMT-2019-BLG-1216L b?
KMT-2019-BLG-1216L b is 8,936.7 light-years (2,740.0 parsecs) from Earth. Light arriving here tonight left the planet about 8,937 years ago. A probe traveling at the speed of Voyager 1 — about 17 km/s, the fastest outbound spacecraft ever launched — would need roughly 157,285,920 years to make the journey.
The Host Star: KMT-2019-BLG-1216L
KMT-2019-BLG-1216L
- Mass
- 0.39 M☉
Planetary System
KMT-2019-BLG-1216L b is the only planet known to orbit KMT-2019-BLG-1216L so far.
KMT-2019-BLG-1216L b — Complete Data
| Mass | 29.88 Earth masses (0.094 Jupiter masses) |
|---|---|
| Orbital distance | 2.440 AU |
| Distance from Earth | 8,936.7 light-years (2,740.0 parsecs) |
| Constellation | Scorpius |
| Discovery method | Microlensing |
| Discovery facility | KMTNet |
| Discovery year | 2023 |
Data: NASA Exoplanet Archive, last updated 2023-05-26. Earth Similarity Index: PHL @ UPR Arecibo.
Frequently Asked Questions About KMT-2019-BLG-1216L b
Is KMT-2019-BLG-1216L b habitable?
KMT-2019-BLG-1216L b is not known to orbit within the habitable zone of KMT-2019-BLG-1216L, and as a Neptune-like planet it is an unlikely candidate for life as we know it.
How far away is KMT-2019-BLG-1216L b?
KMT-2019-BLG-1216L b is about 8,937 light-years from Earth in the constellation Scorpius. A spacecraft traveling as fast as Voyager 1 (about 17 km/s) would need roughly 157,285,920 years to get there.